Davidson Police Chief Penny Dunn Photo: Dave Yochum

March 25. This was written by Penny Dunn, chief of police in Davidson, in response to the shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, Colo:

Often, we pause for a moment when we see violent events happening in other parts of the United States and then continue on with our lives, believing terrible things do not happen in a small town. Although it seems to be far away and not something that would happen in our small town, the reality is that unfortunately, hate is present everywhere. The recent, horrible attack and murder of innocent Asian Americans and Asian Immigrants in Atlanta, Ga., and the rising assaults on Asians in our country began in early 2020.

The murder of nine shoppers and a police officer in a Boulder, Colo. grocery store has caused our nation to reel as multiple lives are once again lost. The motives are not yet known, but the reasons for such a heinous act does nothing to reduce the pain of loss.

Creating fear

The rise in hate crimes being committed in our nation, the violent response in protest of government process, and the brutal attacks and intimidation of members of our vulnerable populations is disturbing. These incidents create fear that impacts family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

What to do?

Call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone is planning an imminent attack or their statements indicate they intend to commit an act of violence and have the means to do so.

Please contact the Davidson Police Department if you, a co-worker, or friend has experienced harassment, intimidation, assault, or other type of threatening behavior. Be specific in noting any statements or other indicators that the crime is motivated by prejudice. Hate crime laws are specific and criminalize acts motivated by the victim’s race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, etc.

Hate crimes under-reported

Hate crimes are under-reported in many cases due to a fear of escalating the type of attack. This is not always the case. Police have found that earlier intervention can reduce cases of harassment and escalating crimes when the offender is immediately held accountable for their actions.

We want you to hear from you if you have experienced an incident in Davidson. The Davidson Police Department is interested in helping all our residents, business owners and their employees, and visitors enjoy the small-town environment we all cherish.

—Penny Dunn, Chief of Police, Davidson

Dunn can  be reached at pdunn@townofdavidson.org The non-emergency number of the Davidson Police Dept. is 704-892-5131.